Method and system for internet protocol address allocation

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation optimization. A method includes a data collector collecting IP address information from sources of IP address inventory and an optimization controller generating a data set from the collected IP address information, minimizing IP address allocations for network components in a network using IP address allocation and IP address utilization for a network component from the data set, minimizing IP address inventory costs using IP address inventory and IP address utilization from the data set and IP address transactional costs, tracking the IP address inventory, sending configuration information to network component(s) to change respective IP address allocations based on minimized IP address allocation, sending transaction information to IP address provider(s) to change the IP address inventory based on minimized IP address inventory costs, and performing the above on a defined interval.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to network addressing. More specifically, thisdisclosure relates to real-time Internet Protocol addressingoptimization.

BACKGROUND

Multiple-system operators (MSOs), cable companies, and the like(collectively “service providers”) carry data traffic over theirnetworks via fiber and coaxial cable. For example, MSO's Hybrid FiberCoax (HFC) access networks carry the majority of the MSO's Internetcable data traffic. Networking and internetworking communicationprotocols are relied upon to carry data through the networks.

The Internet Protocol (IP) is the principal communications protocol inthe Internet protocol suite for relaying and routing packets across thenetworks from a source to a destination. It describes the format ofpackets, the addressing scheme, and other specifications for network andcomputing devices to communicate over the network. Internet ProtocolVersion 4 (IPv4) is the fourth revision of the IP. IPv4 uses a 32-bitaddress scheme allowing for a total of 2{circumflex over ( )}32 IPaddresses, where each IP address is a numerical label assigned to adevice connected to the network. The IP address is a unique identifierfor a device and each device needs its own IP address.

As evident, there is a limited number of IPv4 IP addresses. The rapiddevelopment of the Internet has reached a point where most IPv4addresses have already been distributed. This rapid growth of Internetdata traffic is requiring MSO's to allocate more and more of theirlimited IPv4 IP address inventory to high speed data subscribers priorto completion of the service provider's migration to the expandedaddress space enabled with IPv6, which is the sixth revision of the IPand uses a 128-bit address, theoretically allowing 2{circumflex over( )}128 IP addresses. IP address inventory is currently managed in abest-effort manner with no ability to define the absolute minimum numberof IP address blocks required to meet network engineering constraints,to optimize IP address inventory levels based on projected usage, oroptimize IP address market value over the time horizon required formigration from IPv4 to IPv6.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are method and systems for Internet Protocol (IP)address allocation optimization. In implementations, a method forimproved Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation includes collecting,by a data collector, IP address information from sources of IP addressinventory, generating, by an optimization controller, a data set basedon the collected IP address information, minimizing, by the optimizationcontroller, IP address allocations for network components in a networkusing at least IP address allocation and IP address utilization for anetwork component from the data set, minimizing, by the optimizationcontroller, IP address inventory costs using at least IP addressinventory and IP address utilization from the data set and IP addresstransactional costs, tracking, by the optimization controller, the IPaddress inventory using the data set, sending, by the optimizationcontroller, configuration information to one or more network componentsto change respective IP address allocations based on minimized IPaddress allocation, sending, by the optimization controller, transactioninformation to one or more IP address providers to change the IP addressinventory based on minimized IP address inventory costs, and performing,by the optimization controller, the collecting, the generating, theminimizing IP address allocations, the minimizing IP address inventorycosts, the tracking, the sending configuration information, and thesending transaction information on a defined interval.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure is best understood from the following detaileddescription when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Itis emphasized that, according to common practice, the various featuresof the drawings are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of thevarious features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example network in accordance with embodimentsof this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example Internet Protocol (IP) addressallocation optimization flow in accordance with embodiments of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example analytics data set in accordance withembodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a graph of IP address inventory changes in accordance withembodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example of a device in accordance withembodiments of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example method for IP address allocationoptimization in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in greater detail to embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be usedthroughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or likeparts.

As used herein, the terminology “computer”, “computing device”, or“computing platform” includes any unit, or combination of units, in adistributive platform, centralized platform, or combinations thereof,capable of performing any method, or any portion or portions thereof,disclosed herein. For example, the “computer” or “computing device” mayinclude at least one or more processor(s).

As used herein, the terminology “processor” indicates one or moreprocessors, such as one or more special purpose processors, one or moredigital signal processors, one or more microprocessors, one or morecontrollers, one or more microcontrollers, one or more applicationprocessors, one or more central processing units (CPU)s, one or moregraphics processing units (GPU)s, one or more digital signal processors(DSP)s, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASIC)s,one or more application specific standard products, one or more fieldprogrammable gate arrays, any other type or combination of integratedcircuits, one or more state machines, or any combination thereof.

As used herein, the terminology “memory” indicates any computer-usableor computer-readable medium or device that can tangibly contain, store,communicate, or transport any signal or information that may be used byor in connection with any processor. For example, a memory may be one ormore read-only memories (ROM), one or more random access memories (RAM),one or more registers, low power double data rate (LPDDR) memories, oneor more cache memories, one or more semiconductor memory devices, one ormore magnetic media, one or more optical media, one or moremagneto-optical media, or any combination thereof.

As used herein, the terminology “instructions” may include directions orexpressions for performing any method, or any portion or portionsthereof, disclosed herein, and may be realized in hardware, software, orany combination thereof. For example, instructions may be implemented asinformation, such as a computer program, stored in memory that may beexecuted by a processor to perform any of the respective methods,algorithms, aspects, or combinations thereof, as described herein.Instructions, or a portion thereof, may be implemented as a specialpurpose processor, or circuitry, that may include specialized hardwarefor carrying out any of the methods, algorithms, aspects, orcombinations thereof, as described herein. In some implementations,portions of the instructions may be distributed across multipleprocessors on a single device, on multiple devices, which maycommunicate directly or across a network such as a local area network, awide area network, the Internet, or a combination thereof.

As used herein, the term “application” refers generally to a unit ofexecutable software that implements or performs one or more functions,tasks or activities. For example, applications may perform one or morefunctions including, but not limited to, telephony, web browsers,e-commerce transactions, media players, travel scheduling andmanagement, smart home management, entertainment, and the like. The unitof executable software generally runs in a predetermined environmentand/or a processor.

As used herein, the terminology “determine” and “identify,” or anyvariations thereof includes selecting, ascertaining, computing, lookingup, receiving, determining, establishing, obtaining, or otherwiseidentifying or determining in any manner whatsoever using one or more ofthe devices and methods are shown and described herein.

As used herein, the terminology “example,” “the embodiment,”“implementation,” “aspect,” “feature,” or “element” indicates serving asan example, instance, or illustration. Unless expressly indicated, anyexample, embodiment, implementation, aspect, feature, or element isindependent of each other example, embodiment, implementation, aspect,feature, or element and may be used in combination with any otherexample, embodiment, implementation, aspect, feature, or element.

As used herein, the terminology “or” is intended to mean an inclusive“or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is unless specified otherwise,or clear from context, “X includes A or B” is intended to indicate anyof the natural inclusive permutations. That is if X includes A; Xincludes B; or X includes both A and B, then “X includes A or B” issatisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, thearticles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appendedclaims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unlessspecified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to asingular form.

Further, for simplicity of explanation, although the figures anddescriptions herein may include sequences or series of steps or stages,elements of the methods disclosed herein may occur in various orders orconcurrently. Additionally, elements of the methods disclosed herein mayoccur with other elements not explicitly presented and described herein.Furthermore, not all elements of the methods described herein may berequired to implement a method in accordance with this disclosure.Although aspects, features, and elements are described herein inparticular combinations, each aspect, feature, or element may be usedindependently or in various combinations with or without other aspects,features, and elements.

Further, the figures and descriptions provided herein may be simplifiedto illustrate aspects of the described embodiments that are relevant fora clear understanding of the herein disclosed processes, machines,manufactures, and/or compositions of matter, while eliminating for thepurpose of clarity other aspects that may be found in typical similardevices, systems, compositions and methods. Those of ordinary skill maythus recognize that other elements and/or steps may be desirable ornecessary to implement the devices, systems, compositions and methodsdescribed herein. However, because such elements and steps are wellknown in the art, and because they do not facilitate a betterunderstanding of the disclosed embodiments, a discussion of suchelements and steps may not be provided herein. However, the presentdisclosure is deemed to inherently include all such elements,variations, and modifications to the described aspects that would beknown to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art in light of thediscussion herein.

Described herein are methods and systems for Internet Protocol (IP)address allocation optimization. In an implementation, the describedtechniques optimize IP address usage by minimizing the number of IPaddresses required to accommodate high speed internet traffic andmaximizing the value of IP address inventory. IP addresses used in aservice provider network are identified and analyzed for fullutilization on a continuous and real-time basis.

In implementations, a data collector automatically pulls informationfrom a variety of sources that host information about IP addresses on anetwork. These sources can include, but are not limited to, back officesystems, network devices, and public systems such as American Registryfor Internet Numbers (ARIN). Once all the sources are identified andpolled for their IP address and IP usage information, a processor canorganize the data to show the total number of addresses assigned by thecontrolling authority, total number of addresses configured, totalnumber of addresses in actual use, and total addresses in reserve. Theactual number of hosts that require IP addresses can be determined, forexample, from the network devices. Based on this data, the processor candetermine a best fit of IP address scope and size can be determined foreach network device. An allocation processor can then use the best fitinformation to configure, for example, Dynamic Host ConfigurationProtocol (DHCP) servers and network devices.

In implementations, the described techniques enable efficient use of IPaddresses by service providers. Efficiency is achieved by minimizing thenumber of IP addresses consumed and maximizing the value of buyingand/or selling IP addresses to optimize IP address inventory. By fullyoptimizing the IP addressing scopes, the service provider can recoverunused IP addresses without having the need to purchase additionaladdressing from the open market.

In implementations, a multi-faceted and cooperative technique is usedoptimize IP address allocation in a network. The technique includesgeneration of a data set from IP addresses associated with or related tonetwork components part of or comprising the network. An integerprogramming optimization algorithm is used to minimize IP addressallocations to the network components. A parametric model is used totrack and trend IP address usage over time. A mixed integer linearprogramming econometric modeling algorithm is used to minimize IPaddress inventory costs over time.

In implementations, the multi-faceted and cooperative technique is usedto identify an absolute minimum number of IP addresses required tooperate segments of the network while maintaining an acceptable level ofsafety stock and while minimizing the associated buy, sell, and holdingcosts of the IP address inventory. The technique identifies a preferredtiming of identified recovery initiatives, the amounts and timing of IPaddress block purchases, and the optimal allocation of IP addresses tosubscribers and network components.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example network 1000 in accordance with someembodiments of this disclosure. The network 1000, can be, for example aservice provider network. The network 1000 includes customer premiseequipment (CPE) 1100 including CPE₁, CPE₂, . . . , CPE_(N) 1110, CPE₁,CPE₂, . . . , CPE_(M) 1120, CPE₁ and CPE₂ 1130, cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS) 1200 including CMTS 1210, CMTS 1220, and CMTS 1230,network devices 1300 including network device 1310, network device 1320,and network device 1330, a DHCP server 1400, backend service providersystems 1500, an IP address authority system and database 1600, and anIP address optimization system 1700. The CPE₁, CPE₂, . . . , CPE_(N)1110, the CPE₁, CPE₂, . . . , CPE_(M) 1120, the CPE₁ and CPE₂ 1130, theCMTS 1210, the CMTS 1220, the CMTS 1230, the network device 1310, thenetwork device 1320, the network device 1330, the DHCP server 1400, thebackend service provider systems 1500, the IP address authority systemand database 1600, and the IP address optimization system 1700 can beconnected to or be in communication with (collectively “connected to”)each other, as appropriate and applicable, using wired and wirelesstechniques, systems, and devices, including but not limited to, hybridcoaxial fiber, coaxial fiber, the Internet, an intranet, a low powerwide area network (LPWAN), a local area network (LAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN), a public network, a private network, a cellular network,a WiFi-based network, a telephone network, a landline network, a publicswitched telephone network (PSTN), a wireless network, a wired network,a private branch exchange (PBX), an Integrated Services Digital Network(ISDN), a IP Multimedia Services (IMS) network, a Voice over InternetProtocol (VoIP) network, and the like including any combinationsthereof. The network 1000 and the components therein may include otherelements which may be desirable or necessary to implement the devices,systems, compositions and methods described herein. However, becausesuch elements and steps are well known in the art, and because they donot facilitate a better understanding of the disclosed embodiments, adiscussion of such elements and steps may not be provided herein.

The CPEs 1100, can be, but are not limited to, end user devices,telephones, routers, network switches, gateways, set-top boxes, fixedmobile convergence products, home networking adapters and Internetaccess gateways that enable customers to access a service provider'sservices and distribute them in a residence, enterprise, office, or likeinfrastructure. In an implementation, the CPEs 1100 may be equipmentlocated at a customer's premises and connected with a service provider'stelecommunication equipment, including for example, CMTS 1200. The CMTS'1200 are is typically located in a service provider's central office,headend or hubsite and provide high speed data services, such as cableInternet or Voice over Internet Protocol, to service providersubscribers.

The network devices 1300 can be, but is not limited to, routers, gatewaydevices, edge network devices, access network devices, core networkdevices, and like devices which provide connectivity including Internetconnectivity, wired connectivity, wireless connectivity, andcombinations thereof.

The DHCP server 1400 can be a server which uses DHCP to provide theinitial and updated network configurations (referred to as DHCP options)and services to requesting devices such as the CPEs 1100, the CMTS'1200, and the network devices 1300, for example. The DHCP is a networkmanagement protocol used by the DHCP server 1400 to dynamically assignan IP address and other network configuration parameters to each deviceon a network so the device can communicate with other network elementsor devices.

The backend service provider systems 1500, can include, internal IPmanagement systems, Syslog, access control systems, firmware managementsystems, IP2MAC correlation engines, and the like.

The IP address authority system and database 1600 can be an Internetregistry which provides and manages the distribution of Internet numberresources, including IPv4 and IPv6 IP addresses. For example, the IPaddress authority system and database 1600 can be ARIN, which is aregional Internet registry that handles IP addresses in the UnitedStates among other countries.

The IP address optimization system 1700 includes a collector 1710, anoptimization controller 1720, and a visualization device 1730. Thecollector 1710 collects IP address information from each component inthe network 1000, such as the CPEs 1100, the CMTS' 1200, the networkdevices 1300, the DHCP server 1400, the backend service provider systems1500, the IP address authority system and database 1600, and the like.The optimization controller 1720 organizes the collected data, performseconometric analysis on the data to control IP address inventorydecisions, tracks IP address trends from the data using thevisualization device 1730, and performs allocation optimization toefficiently allocate IP addresses to the components.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example IP address allocation optimizationflow diagram 2000 in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure. TheIP address allocation optimization flow diagram 2000 describescommunications and events with respect to sources of IP addressinventory 2100, an optimization controller or processor 2200, and an IPaddress tracking visualization device 2300. The optimization controller2200 can include, but is not limited to, an IP address analytics dataset processor and database 2210, an econometric management processor2220, an IP address inventory management processor 2230, an IP addresstracking management processor 2240, an allocation optimizationmanagement processor 2250, and an IP address allocation managementprocessor 2260.

Operationally, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the IP addressanalytics data set processor and database 2210 (or the collector 1710)can create or update an Analytics Data Set (ADS) from the sources of IPaddress inventory 2100, which consists of all network component IPaddresses in a network including but not limited to, current networkinventory and component configuration sources. For example, the ADS caninclude IP addresses from the CPE₁, CPE₂, . . . , CPE_(N) 1110, theCPE₁, CPE₂, . . . , CPE_(M) 1120, the CPE₁ and CPE₂ 1130, the CMTS 1210,the CMTS 1220, the CMTS 1230, the network device 1310, the networkdevice 1320, the network device 1330, the DHCP server 1400, the backendservice provider systems 1500, and the IP address authority system anddatabase 1600. In implementations, the network component IP addressescan be captured at a defined period, including but not limited to,daily, hourly, event driven, or combinations thereof. The allocationoptimization management processor 2250 (or optimization controller 1720)analyzes the ADS to identify IP full block IP address scopes that can befreed up for reallocation using a full block IP address allocationoptimization model, where a scope is a range of IP addresses. IP addressreconfigurations are performed or initiated by the IP address allocationmanagement processor 2260. The econometric management processor 2220analyzes the ADS to optimize timing of IP address recovery initiatives,purchases, and sales, by the IP address inventory management processor2230, based on burn rates and inventory value using an economicoptimization model. The IP address tracking management processor 2240analyzes the ADS to track and trend growth, quantify optimizationresults, and synchronize inventory across multiple organizations using aparametric model, and via the IP address tracking visualization device2300 (or visualization device 1730), provides visualization of the ADS.The IP address allocation optimization and configuration is a continuousand automated closed-loop process.

As stated, the IP address analytics data set processor and database 2210(or the collector 1710) can create or update the ADS from the sources ofIP address inventory 2100. In implementations, the IP addresses are IPv4IP addresses, IPv6 IP addresses, or combinations thereof. IP addressesare allocated or assigned to network components as blocks in any varietyof Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR) block sizes. For example, thenetwork components can be CMTS 1210, CMTS 1220, and CMTS 1230. Thesesets of IP address blocks define a pool of IP addresses available forassignment to high speed Internet components on the network. Forexample, the high speed Internet components can be CPE₁, CPE₂, . . . ,CPE_(N) 1110, the CPE₁, CPE₂, . . . , CPE_(M) 1120, and the CPE₁ andCPE₂ 1130. The ADS captures those allocations (the pools) on a definedtime interval along with the number of IP addresses that are active orleased out of the pools.

The ADS is a 1NF data base that is essentially a flat file in a formcapable of being easily ingested into any variety of visualization toolsand/or structured databases. FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example ADS 3000in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure. Each row 3100 of theADS 3000 contains a large number of columns identifying time of capture3110, ADS versioning 3120, ADS name 3130, network component vendor andplant location associations, and like information. The ADS name 3130 andversion 3120 can be used for tracking when ADS components/columns ortheir formats may have changed under a previous version. The ADS, forexample the ADS 3000, is a single ADS which contains data from all ofthe IP address captures. Consequently, each row 3100 contains the timeof capture 3110 of the IP address capture. Each row 3100 includes aunique identifier based on a component/hostname 3140 combined with anetwork id 3150. The full IP address scope incorporating the combinationof the component name 3140, the network ID IP address 3150, and a CIDRblock size 3160 is also contained in the ADS 3000 as a separate columnfor ease of reference. A CIDR block identifier along with the network IDIP address 3150 identifies a total number of IP addresses 3170 in theblock starting with the network ID IP address 3150. A subnet mask 3180is provided in the ADS 300 for use in easily generating the full list ofIP addresses. The total number of IP addresses 3170 and a leased numberof IP addresses 3190 identify the number of IP addresses of the CIDRblock allocated to the network component along with the number of theallocated IP addresses that are currently active or leased.

As stated, the allocation optimization management processor 2250analyzes the ADS 3000 to identify IP full block IP address scopes thatcan be freed up for reallocation using a full block IP addressallocation optimization model. A network component (as represented byeach row 3100 in FIG. 3) is allocated multiple blocks of IP addresses.The full-block IP address optimization algorithm find an optimal mix ofthose currently allocated blocks that will meet the network component IPaddress demand while freeing up as many IP addresses as possible forreallocation to other network components, for example. This can berepresented as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{{{Maximize}\text{:}\mspace{11mu}{\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{12}\;{2^{({i + 2})}x_{i}}}}\mspace{14mu}{{Subject}\mspace{14mu}{to}\text{:}}\begin{matrix}{{x_{i} \leq {N_{i}{\forall i}}},\ {i = 1},\ldots\mspace{14mu},12} \\{{\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{12}{2^{({i + 2})}x_{i}}} \leq {{IPAlloc}\; - \frac{{IPUt}il}{{MaxUtl}\mspace{14mu}\%}}} \\{{x_{i} \geq 0},{integer}}\end{matrix}} & {{Equation}\mspace{20mu}(1)}\end{matrix}$

where x_(i) is equal to the number of blocks of size i containing2^((i+2)) IP addresses to be removed, N_(i) is equal to the number ofblocks of size i (e.g. CIDR blocks /29 through /18) currently allocated,IPAlloc is equal to the number of IP addresses currently allocated,IPUtil is equal to the number of IP addresses currently utilized, andMaxUtl % is equal to the maximum percent of IP address utilizationallowed.

The full-block IP address optimization algorithm as represented byEquation 1 attempts to maximize the number of IP addresses that can bereleased from a network component. In implementations, the IP addressesare allocated in CIDR blocks. Accordingly, the full-block IP addressoptimization algorithm determines the set of CIDR blocks that can bereleased resulting in the maximum number of freed IP addresses. Thefull-block IP address optimization algorithm is constrained by thenumber of CIDR blocks currently allocated to the network component,defining the set of IP addresses of a certain block type that areeligible for release. The constraints also limit the number of IPaddresses that can be released while still ensuring that a certainamount of safety stock is retained. In implementations, the full-blockIP address optimization algorithm defines releases that stay within acertain percentage of the total IP addresses allocated. Inimplementations, the full-block IP address optimization algorithmdefines releases by stating the safety stock as a specific number of IPaddresses. This allows the constraint to vary by regional growthvariations, sizes of network component subscriber pools, and the like.In implementations, another set of constraints limits the number ofreleased blocks to integer values. This ensures that only full blocks ofaddresses are released versus splitting into multiple smaller blocks.Optimization results have not shown the need to split blocks to gainsubstantial improvements in allocation effectiveness.

The full-block IP address optimization algorithm uses an integerprogramming deterministic optimization algorithm versus a heuristic orartificial intelligence approach. The deterministic optimizationalgorithm evaluates every possible combination of releases, thereforeensuring that the optimization solution is defining the maximum numberof releases possible under the stated engineering constraints. Whilethere may be multiple optimal sets of releases, the total number of IPaddress releases identified by the full-block IP address optimizationalgorithm is the absolute best possible.

The IP address allocation management processor 2260 uses the resultsfrom the allocation optimization management processor 2250 andconfigures a DHCP, network component, or combinations thereof tore-allocate IP address blocks and free up IP address blocks. The newallocations are then used in a next IP address allocation optimizationcycle.

As stated, the econometric management processor 2220 analyzes the ADS tooptimize timing of IP address recovery initiatives, purchases, and salesbased on burn rates and inventory value using an economic optimizationmodel. IP address inventory fluctuates over time. Decreases in safetystock allocations, purchases of IP addresses, reallocation of IPaddresses into the network IP address pool, and implementations of IPaddress recovery initiatives, all increase the number of IP addresses inthe IP address inventory. The burn or use of IP addresses to accommodatesubscriber growth, increases in safety stock allocations to networkcomponents, implementation of IP address resource recovery initiativesthat may require an initial increase in IP address usage, and the saleof IP addresses, all decrease the number of IP addresses in the IPaddress inventory for a given quarter. The economic optimization modelidentifies the optimal levels of these activities over time that willresult in minimum total cost. This can be represented as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{{{Maximize}\text{:}{\underset{i = 1}{\sum\limits^{Q}}\left( {{h*x_{i}} - {d_{i}c_{i}u_{i}} + {c_{i}v_{i}}} \right)}}{{Subject}\mspace{14mu}{to}\text{:}}\mspace{11mu}\;{{{x_{i} - u_{i} + v_{i} - y_{i} + {\sum\limits_{j = 1}^{N}{r_{j}z_{ij}}} - {x\left( {i + 1} \right)}} = {0{\forall i}}},{i = 1},\ldots\mspace{14mu},Q}{x_{1} = {IPInit}}{{x_{i} \geq {{IPMin}\mspace{14mu}{\forall i}}},{i = 1},\ldots\mspace{14mu},Q}{{y_{i} = {BURN_{i}{\forall i}}},\ {i = 1},\ldots\mspace{14mu},Q}{{{\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{Q}z_{ij}} \leq {1{\forall j}}},{j = 1},\ldots\mspace{20mu},N}} & {{Equation}\mspace{20mu}(2)}\end{matrix}$

where x_(i) is equal to IPv4 IP address inventory in quarter i, u_(i) isequal to IPv4 IP addresses sold in quarter i, v_(i) is equal to IPv4 IPaddresses bought in quarter i, y_(i) is equal to IPv4 IP addresses usedin quarter i, z_(ij) is equal to 1 if resource recovery initiative j isimplemented in quarter i and is equal to 0 otherwise, IPInit is equal tothe beginning IPv4 IP address inventory, IPMin is equal to the minimuminventory to be carried each quarter, BURN, is equal to the IPv4 IPaddresses required for use in each quarter i, h is equal to the cost ofholding an IPv4 IP address for a quarter, d_(i) is equal to the discountpercentage for selling IP addresses in quarter i, c_(i) is equal to thecost to buy an IP address in quarter i, r_(i) is equal to IPv4 IPaddresses recoverable in quarter i, Q is equal to the number ofquarterly time periods, and N is equal to the number of IPv4 resourcerecovery initiatives. In implementations, certain of the factors orconstraints, such as but not limited to, h, d_(i), c_(i), can be statedas transactional costs.

The economic optimization model specifically minimizes cost minusrevenue where cost is generated by buying IP addresses or holding unusedIP address inventory for a full quarter and revenue is generated throughthe sale of IP addresses. The economic optimization model includes aholding cost for IP addresses, a purchase price for acquiring IPaddresses, and a discount factor for the sale of IP address inventory.

The economic optimization model is subject to a number of constraints.One constraint is the material balance constraint that assures that thebeginning quarterly inventory of IP addresses minus sales plus purchasesminus burn or usage of IP addresses plus recovered IP addresses equalsthe quarterly ending inventory. Other constraints set the value of theinitial IP address inventory (IPInit), define the minimum safety stockinventory level required or desired each quarter, and set the burn rateprojected for each quarter of the economic optimization model's planningperiod. Another set of modeling constraints sets the recovery amountsexpected from IP address recovery initiatives. For recovery initiativesthe economic optimization model constrains the time of recovery to asingle quarter. In implementations, recovery initiatives that span morethan a single quarter are assumed to have fixed timing in the economicoptimization model. In implementations, the economic optimization modelincludes variable timing and dependency constraints for multi-quarterinitiatives.

The IP address inventory management processor 2230 times buy, sell,recovery, hold, and other actions with respect to IP addresses based onthe results from the economic optimization model. The IP addressinventory changes are then used in the next IP address allocationoptimization cycle.

As stated, the IP address tracking management processor 2240 analyzesthe ADS to track and trend growth, quantify optimization results, andsynchronize inventory across multiple organizations using a parametricmodel. Detailed and accurate tracking of IP address inventory ensuresrecognizing optimization results and obtaining the expected results fromidentified IP address recovery initiatives.

Parametric modeling uses the ADS to set a variety of parameters thatdefine different views of the IP address inventory via the IP addresstracking visualization device 2300. Viewing total IP address inventory,IP address inventory by region, IP address inventory by hub, or IPaddress inventory by individual network component is easily providedthrough a variety of visualization tools once the ADS is established andmaintained or updated. In implementations, visualizations at a dailylevel of currency is maintained due to the number of changes and thetotal volume impact that can occur over changes made to IP addressinventory.

All IP address inventory history is maintained in the ADS. Parameters ofthe model allow different date ranges to be evaluated independently.Deltas in values from a given start date is available through parametersettings in the descriptive model.

The parametric model also enables users to calculate a variety ofmetrics associated with recovery initiatives. Some of the metrics arespecific to individual recovery initiatives (e.g. sharing ratios as theHFC Access Network migrates from IPv4 to IPv6 and allocation vs. leasepercentage statistics as CMTS block allocations change through use ofthe full block address optimization model). Reference lines can be setin the parametric model to aid in tracking projected gains versusactual/realized.

FIG. 4 is a graph of a sample parametric model visualization describingthe IPv4 inventory changes associated with an HFC access network. Thevisualization is based on a parameterized start date. The visualizationsidentify inventory allocation improvements and IP address burn rates.The sample visualization shown has identified anomalies in the inventoryvalues kept across different organizations, has accurately quantifiedinventory resource recovery improvements, and has enabled root causecorrection in a very short time frame when trends began to vary fromprojections.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example of a device 5000 in accordancewith embodiments of this disclosure. The device 5000 may include, but isnot limited to, a processor 5100, a memory/storage 5200, a communicationinterface 5300, and applications 5400. The device 5000 may include orimplement, for example, the CPE₁, CPE₂, . . . , CPE_(N) 1110, the CPE₁,CPE₂, . . . , CPE_(M) 1120, the CPE₁ and CPE₂ 1130, the CMTS 1210, CMTS1220, and CMTS 1230, the network device 1310, the network device 1320,the network device 1330, the DHCP server 1400, the backend serviceprovider systems 1500, the IP address authority system and database1600, the IP address optimization system 1700, the IP address inventory2100, the optimization controller 2200, the IP address trackingvisualization device 2300, the IP address analytics data set processorand database 2210, the econometric management processor 2220, the IPaddress inventory management processor 2230, the IP address trackingmanagement processor 2240, the allocation optimization managementprocessor 2250, and the IP address allocation management processor 2260.In an implementation, appropriate memory/storage 5200 may store the ADSand the like. In an implementation, appropriate memory/storage 5200 isencoded with instructions for at least collecting IP addresses, creatingor updating the ADS, identifying IP full block IP address scopes thatcan be freed up for reallocation, optimize timing of IP address recoveryinitiatives, purchases, and sales, tracking and trending growth,quantifying optimization results, synchronizing inventory, and the like.The IP address allocation techniques or methods described herein may bestored in appropriate memory/storage 5200 and executed by theappropriate processor 5100 in cooperation with the memory/storage 5200,the communications interface 5300, and applications 5400, asappropriate. The device 5000 may include other elements which may bedesirable or necessary to implement the devices, systems, compositionsand methods described herein. However, because such elements and stepsare well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a betterunderstanding of the disclosed embodiments, a discussion of suchelements and steps may not be provided herein.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example method 6000 for IP addressallocation optimization in accordance with embodiments of thisdisclosure. The method 6000 includes: collecting 6100 IP addressinformation from sources of IP address inventory; generating 6200 an ADSbased on the collected IP address information; minimizing 6300 IPaddress allocations to network components using the ADS; minimizing 6400IP address inventory costs using the ADS; tracking 6500 IP addressinventory using the ADS; applying 6600 results from minimizing IPaddress allocations to applicable network components; applying 6700results from minimizing IP address inventory costs by changing IPaddress inventory; performing 6800 the collecting, the generating, theminimizing IP address allocations, the minimizing IP address inventorycosts, the tracking, the applying results from minimizing IP addressallocations, and the applying 6700 results from minimizing IP addressinventory costs on a defined interval. For example, the method 6000 maybe implemented, as applicable and appropriate, by the CPE₁, CPE₂, . . ., CPE_(N) 1110, the CPE₁, CPE₂, . . . , CPE_(M) 1120, the CPE₁ and CPE₂1130, the CMTS 1210, CMTS 1220, and CMTS 1230, the network device 1310,the network device 1320, the network device 1330, the DHCP server 1400,the backend service provider systems 1500, the IP address authoritysystem and database 1600, the IP address optimization system 1700, theIP address inventory 2100, the optimization controller 2200, the IPaddress tracking visualization device 2300, the IP address analyticsdata set processor and database 2210, the econometric managementprocessor 2220, the IP address inventory management processor 2230, theIP address tracking management processor 2240, the allocationoptimization management processor 2250, the IP address allocationmanagement processor 2260, the processor 5100, the memory/storage 5200,the communication interface 5300, and the applications 5400.

The method 6000 includes collecting 6100 IP address information fromsources of IP address inventory. The sources of IP address inventoryinclude, but are not limited to, sources which provide IP addresses,sources which provision IP addresses, sources which use IP addresses,and the like. Sources can be network components, public sources, and thelike.

The method 6000 includes generating 6200 an ADS based on the collectedIP address information. The collected IP address information isprocessed and saved in a database where each row can represent a sourceof IP addresses with characterization information including, but notlimited to, time of collection, starting IP address for IP address blockor IP address scope, hostname, network ID, block size, number of totalor allocated IP addresses, number of leased, used, or utilized(collectively “utilized”) IP addresses, and the like.

The method 6000 includes minimizing 6300 IP address allocations tonetwork components using the ADS. The minimization technique employs Daninteger programming deterministic optimization algorithm to evaluate theADS and determine for each network component having an allocated numberof IP addresses, the maximum number of releases subject to definedconstraints. In implementations, the defined constraints can include asafety stock of IP addresses or maximum utilization rate for eachnetwork component. In implementations, the defined constraints restrictreleases to defined block sizes such as for example CIDR block sizes.

The method 6000 includes minimizing 6400 IP address inventory costsusing the ADS. The IP address inventory has costs associated withbuying, selling, and holding IP addresses. The minimization optimizesthe buying, selling, and holding of the IP addresses subject to definedconstraints. In implementations, the minimization is done over a definedperiod of time. The defined constraints can include, but is not limitedto, a safety stock of IP addresses or maximum utilization rate for thedefined period of time, a projected burn rate for the defined period oftime, initial value for IP address inventory for the defined period oftime, projected recovery amounts (i.e., released IP address blockssubject to re-allocated IP address blocks), and the like. Inimplementations, the projected recovery amounts are for the definedperiod of time. In implementations, the projected recovery amounts areprorated over multiples of the defined period of time.

The method 6000 includes tracking 6500 IP address inventory using theADS. A variety of parameters can be tracked and visualized with respectto changes in the ADS due to minimizing IP address allocations toapplicable network components and minimizing IP address inventory costsby changing IP address inventory. The parameters include, but are notlimited to, IP address inventory, IP address usage or utilization, IPaddress allocation, IP addresses recovered, IP addresses sold, IPaddresses bought, and the like, where each parameter can be viewed byregion, by network component, or like attribute. In implementations, thetracking can be viewed over defined time periods. In implementations,the tracking can be updated on a defined time period, periodically,event driven, or combinations thereof.

The method 6000 includes applying 6600 results from minimizing IPaddress allocations to applicable network components. Configurationinformation can be sent to network components, DHCP servers,combinations thereof, and the like to allocate different IP addressblocks and release current IP address blocks being used by applicable orappropriate network components resulting in improved usage of IPaddresses.

The method 6000 includes applying 6700 results from minimizing IPaddress inventory costs by changing IP address inventory. Transactioninformation can be sent to IP address providers to change the IP addressinventory based on selling, buying, or combinations thereof of IPaddresses.

The method 6000 includes performing 6800 the collecting, the generating,the minimizing IP address allocations, the minimizing IP addressinventory costs, the tracking, the applying results from minimizing IPaddress allocations, and the applying 6700 results from minimizing IPaddress inventory costs on a defined interval. Updates to the IP addressinventory based on usage, buying, selling, and the like canautomatically occur on a continual basis, defined period of time, eventdriven, or combinations thereof to optimize IP address allocation in thenetwork and with respect to network components.

In general, a method for improved Internet Protocol (IP) addressallocation includes collecting, by a data collector, IP addressinformation from sources of IP address inventory, generating, by anoptimization controller, a data set based on the collected IP addressinformation, minimizing, by the optimization controller, IP addressallocations for network components in a network using at least IPaddress allocation and IP address utilization for a network componentfrom the data set, minimizing, by the optimization controller, IPaddress inventory costs using at least IP address inventory and IPaddress utilization from the data set and IP address transactionalcosts, tracking, by the optimization controller, the IP addressinventory using the data set, sending, by the optimization controller,configuration information to one or more network components to changerespective IP address allocations based on minimized IP addressallocation, sending, by the optimization controller, transactioninformation to one or more IP address providers to change the IP addressinventory based on minimized IP address inventory costs, and performing,by the optimization controller, the collecting, the generating, theminimizing IP address allocations, the minimizing IP address inventorycosts, the tracking, the sending configuration information, and thesending transaction information on a defined interval. Inimplementations, the minimizing IP address allocations maximizes thenumber of IP addresses that can be released from the network componentbased on a defined block size. In implementations, the minimizing IPaddress allocations uses at least a defined safety stock of IP addressesfor each network component. In implementations, the safety stock is oneof a defined number of IP addresses or a defined percentage of the IPaddress allocation. In implementations, the minimizing IP addressallocations implements an integer programming deterministic optimizationalgorithm to evaluate each combination of releases to determine amaximum number of releases possible under defined constraints. Inimplementations, wherein the minimizing IP address inventory costsoptimizes timing of IP address recovery initiatives or IP addressallocation releases and the IP address transactional costs, wherein thetiming is based on IP address utilization rates and IP address inventoryvalue. In implementations, the IP address transactional costs include atleast IP address purchases, IP address sales, and value of holdingdefined IP addresses. In implementations, the minimizing IP addressinventory costs uses at least a defined safety stock of IP addresses. Inimplementations, the minimizing IP address inventory costs is performedover a defined period of time.

In general, a system includes a memory and a processor in communicationwith the memory. The processor configured to generate a data set basedon Internet Protocol (IP) address information collected from a network,optimize IP address allocations for network components in the networkusing at least IP address allocation and IP address utilization for anetwork component from the data set, optimize IP address inventory costsusing IP address transactional cost data and at least IP addressinventory and IP address utilization from the data set, track the IPaddress inventory using the data set, send configuration information toone or more network components to change respective IP addressallocations based on optimized IP address allocation, send transactioninformation to one or more IP address providers to change the IP addressinventory based on optimized IP address inventory costs, and update IPaddress allocation optimization, IP address inventory cost optimization,the configuration information, and the transaction information on adefined interval. In implementations, the IP address allocationoptimization maximizes the number of IP addresses that can be releasedfrom the network component based on a defined block size. Inimplementations, the IP address allocation optimization uses at least adefined safety stock of IP addresses for each network component. Inimplementations, the safety stock is one of a defined number of IPaddresses or a defined percentage of the IP address allocation. Inimplementations, the IP address allocation optimization implements aninteger programming deterministic optimization algorithm to evaluateeach combination of releases to determine a maximum number of releasespossible under defined constraints. In implementations, the IP addressinventory cost optimization optimizes timing of IP address recoveryinitiatives or IP address allocation releases and the IP addresstransactional costs, wherein the timing is based on IP addressutilization rates and IP address inventory value. In implementations,the IP address transactional costs include at least IP addresspurchases, IP address sales, and value of holding defined IP addresses.In implementations, the IP address inventory cost optimization uses atleast a defined safety stock of IP addresses. In implementations, the IPaddress inventory cost optimization is performed over a defined periodof time.

In general, a method for improved Internet Protocol (IP) addressallocation includes generating, by an IP address optimization processor,a data set based on IP address information collected from network, thedata set including at least IP address allocation, IP addressutilization, and IP address inventory on a network level and on anetwork component level, minimizing, by the IP address optimizationprocessor, IP address allocations for network components in the networkby maximizing number of releasable IP addresses for the respectivenetwork components, wherein minimization accounts for the IP addressallocation and the IP address utilization for a network component,minimizing, by the IP address optimization processor, IP addressinventory costs by optimizing timing of IP address allocation releasesand IP address transactional costs, wherein the timing is based on theIP address utilization and IP address inventory value, tracking, by theIP address optimization processor, the IP address, executing, by the IPaddress optimization processor, configuration changes at respective tonetwork components to recover IP addresses based on releasable IPaddresses, executing, by the IP address optimization processor,transactions at IP address providers to change the IP address inventorybased on minimized IP address inventory costs, and executing, by the IPaddress optimization processor, the generating, the minimizing IPaddress allocations, the minimizing IP address inventory costs, thetracking, the executing configuration changes, and the executingtransactions on a defined interval. In implementations, the minimizingIP address allocations and the minimizing IP address inventory costsconstrain optimization by using a defined minimum utilization percentageof IP address allocation.

Although some embodiments herein refer to methods, it will beappreciated by one skilled in the art that they may also be embodied asa system or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of thepresent invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment,an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software,micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardwareaspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “processor,”“device,” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention maytake the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more thecomputer readable mediums having the computer readable program codeembodied thereon. Any combination of one or more computer readablemediums may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computerreadable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computerreadable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, anelectronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, orsemiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combinationof the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of thecomputer-readable storage medium include the following: an electricalconnection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, ahard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), anerasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), anoptical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), anoptical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitablecombination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, acomputer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that cancontain, or store a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium thatis not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate,propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to CDs, DVDs,wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitablecombination of the foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of thepresent invention may be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object oriented programming languagesuch as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code may execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latterscenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an externalcomputer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet ServiceProvider).

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions.

These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of ageneral purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer orother programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also bestored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, otherprogrammable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function ina particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computerreadable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructionswhich implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures.

While the disclosure has been described in connection with certainembodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to belimited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intendedto cover various modifications, combinations, and equivalentarrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, whichscope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompassall such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted underthe law.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for improved Internet Protocol (IP)address allocation, the method comprising: collecting, by a datacollector, IP address information from sources of IP address inventory;generating, by an optimization controller, a data set based on thecollected IP address information; minimizing, by the optimizationcontroller, IP address allocations for network components in a networkusing at least IP address allocation and IP address utilization for anetwork component from the data set; minimizing, by the optimizationcontroller, IP address inventory costs using at least IP addressinventory and IP address utilization from the data set and IP addresstransactional costs; tracking, by the optimization controller, the IPaddress inventory using the data set; sending, by the optimizationcontroller, configuration information to one or more network componentsto change respective IP address allocations based on minimized IPaddress allocation; sending, by the optimization controller, transactioninformation to one or more IP address providers to change the IP addressinventory based on minimized IP address inventory costs; and performing,by the optimization controller, the collecting, the generating, theminimizing IP address allocations, the minimizing IP address inventorycosts, the tracking, the sending configuration information, and thesending transaction information on a defined interval.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the minimizing IP address allocations maximizes thenumber of IP addresses that can be released from the network componentbased on a defined block size.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein theminimizing IP address allocations uses at least a defined safety stockof IP addresses for each network component.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein the safety stock is one of a defined number of IP addresses or adefined percentage of the IP address allocation.
 5. The method of claim3, wherein the minimizing IP address allocations implements an integerprogramming deterministic optimization algorithm to evaluate eachcombination of releases to determine a maximum number of releasespossible under defined constraints.
 6. The method of claim 5, whereinthe minimizing IP address inventory costs optimizes timing of IP addressrecovery initiatives or IP address allocation releases and the IPaddress transactional costs, wherein the timing is based on IP addressutilization rates and IP address inventory value.
 7. The method of claim6, wherein the IP address transactional costs include at least IPaddress purchases, IP address sales, and value of holding defined IPaddresses.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the minimizing IP addressinventory costs uses at least a defined safety stock of IP addresses. 9.The method of claim 8, wherein the minimizing IP address inventory costsis performed over a defined period of time.
 10. A system comprising: amemory; and a processor in communication with the memory, the processorconfigured to: generate a data set based on Internet Protocol (IP)address information collected from a network; optimize IP addressallocations for network components in the network using at least IPaddress allocation and IP address utilization for a network componentfrom the data set; optimize IP address inventory costs using IP addresstransactional cost data and at least IP address inventory and IP addressutilization from the data set; track the IP address inventory using thedata set; send configuration information to one or more networkcomponents to change respective IP address allocations based onoptimized IP address allocation; send transaction information to one ormore IP address providers to change the IP address inventory based onoptimized IP address inventory costs; and update IP address allocationoptimization, IP address inventory cost optimization, the configurationinformation, and the transaction information on a defined interval. 11.The system of claim 10, wherein the IP address allocation optimizationmaximizes the number of IP addresses that can be released from thenetwork component based on a defined block size.
 12. The system of claim11, wherein the IP address allocation optimization uses at least adefined safety stock of IP addresses for each network component.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the safety stock is one of a defined numberof IP addresses or a defined percentage of the IP address allocation.14. The system of claim 13, wherein the IP address allocationoptimization implements an integer programming deterministicoptimization algorithm to evaluate each combination of releases todetermine a maximum number of releases possible under definedconstraints.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the IP addressinventory cost optimization optimizes timing of IP address recoveryinitiatives or IP address allocation releases and the IP addresstransactional costs, wherein the timing is based on IP addressutilization rates and IP address inventory value.
 16. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the IP address transactional costs include at least IPaddress purchases, IP address sales, and value of holding defined IPaddresses.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the IP address inventorycost optimization uses at least a defined safety stock of IP addresses.18. The system of claim 17, wherein the IP address inventory costoptimization is performed over a defined period of time.
 19. A methodfor improved Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation, the methodcomprising: generating, by an IP address optimization processor, a dataset based on IP address information collected from network, the data setincluding at least IP address allocation, IP address utilization, and IPaddress inventory on a network level and on a network component level;minimizing, by the IP address optimization processor, IP addressallocations for network components in the network by maximizing numberof releasable IP addresses for the respective network components,wherein minimization accounts for the IP address allocation and the IPaddress utilization for a network component; minimizing, by the IPaddress optimization processor, IP address inventory costs by optimizingtiming of IP address allocation releases and IP address transactionalcosts, wherein the timing is based on the IP address utilization and IPaddress inventory value; tracking, by the IP address optimizationprocessor, the IP address; executing, by the IP address optimizationprocessor, configuration changes at respective to network components torecover IP addresses based on releasable IP addresses; executing, by theIP address optimization processor, transactions at IP address providersto change the IP address inventory based on minimized IP addressinventory costs; and executing, by the IP address optimizationprocessor, the generating, the minimizing IP address allocations, theminimizing IP address inventory costs, the tracking, the executingconfiguration changes, and the executing transactions on a definedinterval.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the minimizing IP addressallocations and the minimizing IP address inventory costs constrainoptimization by using a defined minimum utilization percentage of IPaddress allocation.